Scrub Euphonia

Overview

The scrub euphonia (Euphonia affinis) is a species of small passerine bird in the family Fringillidae. It is found throughout Mexico and Central America, ranging from Costa Rica in the south to Mexico in the north.

Identification

• Approximately 10 cm in length with a short, stubby bill and dark gray legs.
• Adult males of the nominate subspecies possess a glossy blue-black head and upperparts with a purplish sheen, bright yellow underparts, and a small yellow forecrown; females are olive-yellow on the head and upperparts with olive-yellow underparts.
• Vocalisations include 1–3 pure thin whistles such as 'dee-dee-dee', a 'whit-it-it-it' call, and a slow, weak twittering song that is slower than that of the similar West Mexican euphonia.

Habitat

The species inhabits open tropical landscapes, including deciduous and secondary forests, scrublands, agricultural areas, and gardens with scattered trees. Its range spans from Nuevo León in Mexico through Central America to the Tárcoles District in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica, typically at elevations below 1,000 m but occasionally reaching up to 2,250 m.

Diet

Primarily feeds on the fruits of mistletoe and figs, as well as cultivated fruits and small numbers of insects. Forages in pairs or small groups, often joining mixed-species flocks, and works from the mid-level to the canopy of trees.

Did you know?

The breeding season is apparently year-round in El Salvador, contrasting with the more restricted November to April window observed in Costa Rica.